The North Korean government's obsession with the cult of personality surrounding its leader, Kim Jong-un, has reached new heights with the unveiling of a stone sculpture of the young ruler. This latest addition to the country's pantheon of statues and iconography is a stark reminder of the leader's growing influence and the enduring legacy he aims to leave behind.
The statue, which depicts Kim in a suit and tie, with a beaming smile and a finger on a button, is a life-size representation of the leader in one of his most iconic poses. It was first shown on Korean Central Television, where visitors to the National Book and Art Exhibition in Pyongyang were treated to a glimpse of the young Kim's grandeur. The sculpture is a significant departure from the towering statues of his late father, Kim Jong-il, and grandfather, Kim Il-sung, which dominate the landscape of Pyongyang's Mansudae Hill.
This is not the first time Kim Jong-un has been immortalized in art. In 2019, his face was depicted by thousands of signs held up by a mass audience at a stadium event in Pyongyang. Three years later, a portrait of the young leader appeared at an event marking the first decade of his rule. Since then, his image has been featured in propaganda mosaics and paintings, and members of the Workers' Party central committee have been given lapel badges bearing his face.
The increasing amount of iconography of Kim Jong-un is a clear indication of his growing influence and the government's efforts to cement his legacy. As the leader continues to solidify his power, the cult of personality surrounding him shows no signs of abating, with the latest addition to the pantheon of statues being a testament to this enduring fascination.
